Sticking Points 2038.17: First In Offense AND Pitching?

[aaronweiner]

It's rare, but Rockville is attempting to pull an unusual double play in 2038: finishing first in both offense and in runs allowed. Right now the Pikemen are first offensively and second in runs allowed, and could possibly be the first JL team to do this since Huntsville in 2029.

"We're not worried about whether we're going to do that, but clearly that would help us win games," said Rockville manager Chet Rouse. "That's the bottom line."

With thirteen games left and 23 runs ahead of second place Jacksonville, the Pikemen look almost certain to do the first. The Pikemen have had an unusually strong showing offensively, batting .307 as a team and easily first in doubles and lowest number of strikeouts. Partially because nobody has run away with the award this year, Rockville has multiple Sawyer Silk Award candidates in 2038.

"Look at the guys who are putting up crazy numbers this year," said backup catcher Felipe Mercado. "Francisco (Flores), Mario (Guerrer), and Chip (Puckett) are 1-2-3 in batting average. Manuel Marino's first in OBP - followed by THOSE SAME THREE GUYS. I'm in awe every day."

The Pikemen have also had huge success on the mound this year. They are nearly certain to be at least second in runs allowed this year. It's highly arguable they've been better than first place Mexico City (29.5 WAR for Rockville as opposed to 22.0 for Mexico City). They have four of the top ten starting pitchers in the JL this year with Dempster, Dan Cannon, and Dave Martin all in the top five in WAR this year and pending free agent Celio Marin close behind. Marin gives the team pause as to what rotation they might have in the playoffs.

"This might be our best team yet, and that's pretty scary," said Marin, whose pending free agency is grabbing note around the league. "We have to make sure that we keep our eyes on the prize and don't get too cocky, but this has been an incredible year."